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Artificial Breeding: Artificially Breeding Your Dog & How It's Done
Most artificial inseminations consist of semen freshly collected in a sanitized, artificial vagina. This procedure is best performed by veterinarians with both dogs present. You may decide that you want to acquire mastery of artificially inseminating your own dogs if you are engaged in a serious breeding program, and have a breed that is routinely inseminated artificially.
Complete artificial insemination kits are marketed throughout the country by reputable firms. The best of these kits includes a videotape that details the complete process, the necessary materials and a step-by-step guidance manual.
If you are concerned about your ability to perform an artificial insemination, speak candidly with your veterinarian. This person knows you, your capabilities and your relationship with your dog. When appropriate, a vet may offer you firsthand artificial insemination instruction. Conversely, if you do not intend to use this method on a regular basis, your veterinarian may dissuade you from attempting this procedure.
Stimulating Semen For Collection
A "teaser" scent is almost inevitably a requisite for stimulating semen collection. Few males are able to effect a collection when not stimulated either by a "teaser" female (one in full estrus), or by use of an artificial estral scent. Once emotionally "turned on" through scent (dogs' most powerful sense), the male is stimulated directly behind the bulbus glans by a hand on his sheath.
As the penile tissue begins to engorge, the sheath is pushed back to reveal the bulbus portion. The artificial vagina used for collection is held just over or below the dog's penis until ejaculation is complete. If a manufactured vagina is not available, another clean receptacle may be used for collection.
Ejaculate is passed in three distinct phases, with a normal volume of (depending on the dog and breed) between 2 and 15 milliliters. The first portion from the urethral glands and prostate serves as a lubricant. Consisting of a watery, clear fluid, it is devoid of sperm. The second ejaculate portion from the testicles contains the sperm.
The third portion is composed of prostatic secretions to help propel sperm into the uterus. When both the male and female are present, the entire ejaculate is immediately injected into the female without having been separated into the three portions.
If the sperm is to be preserved by cooling or freezing for later use, only the second, sperm-bearing portion is preserved (the first and third are discarded). When prepared for storage, the sperm-bearing portion of the ejaculate is diluted with extenders. Untreated semen remains viable for only a short time (some only 15 minutes).
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